The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Omotayo

  • Omotayo Awa-Ibraheem unveils haute perfume

    Omotayo Awa-Ibraheem unveils haute perfume

    In the dynamic world of haute perfumery, one Nigerian entrepreneur is setting the stage for a remarkable transformation with a bold vision for modern fragrance. Omotayo Jamilah Awa-Ibraheem, affectionately known as OJ, is the driving force behind Perfectscent Niche Emporium. With her innovative approach, she has been pioneering the introduction of meticulously curated collections of rare and captivating fragrances. Recently, OJ elevated her offerings by unveiling a new line of haute fragrances called Ideo Parfumeurs.

    On Sunday, October 5, an elegant launch event in Lagos brought together fragrance connoisseurs and enthusiasts, creating an atmosphere brimming with excitement and appreciation for fine perfumery. The event showcased OJ’s latest creations, which are not merely scents but experiences crafted to evoke emotions and memories.

    Ideo Parfumeurs is a brand steeped in rich heritage and the artistry of contemporary perfumery. Founded in Beirut in 2016 by the visionary Ludmila Bitar, the brand aimed to redefine refined perfumery by making it both exquisite and accessible to a wider audience. Each perfume is designed to whisper intimate stories, capture cherished moments, and leave an impression of bold sophistication.

    Read Also: Messi  set to extend Inter Miami  contract beyond 2026

    However, the brand’s journey faced significant challenges following the devastating Beirut port explosion, which forced the establishment into a prolonged silence of nearly three years. Today, a vibrant new chapter emerges as Ideo Parfumeurs begins anew under fresh guardianship in France, harmoniously merging its Lebanese origins with the expertise of acclaimed French perfumers. The result is a collection that not only honors its roots but also aspires to new levels of refinement and global recognition.

    OJ describes the Ideo Parfumeurs line as more than just fragrances; they are timeless narratives encapsulated in luxurious bottles. “It’s a testament to resilience, artistry, and the eternal allure of scent,” she remarked, emphasizing the emotional depth and creative energy infused into each fragrance. With this collection, OJ invites fragrance lovers to embark on a sensory journey that transcends the ordinary, celebrating the intricate tapestry of life through the power of scent.

  • Omotayo banks on French fans to shine at Paris 2024

    Omotayo banks on French fans to shine at Paris 2024

    Olajide Omotayo, 29, is set to make his second appearance at the Olympic Games, this time in Paris.

    After being edged out in the first round during his debut at Tokyo 2020, Omotayo is determined to prove that he’s more than just a contender.

    He stated, “The last time, I was a contender even for the fact that I was having tears of joy while I was playing,” he  stated. “ This time around, it is time for business             

     “My second appearance at the Olympics means a lot to me.

    “It is not easy to qualify from Africa, which was quite difficult many years ago. We have so many good players in Africa now, and I was able to qualify.

    “ Looking at the ranking system, it affected me about a year ago. My ranking dropped significantly, and I wasn’t sure if I would be part of the second pick for Team Nigeria. But thankfully, I reclaimed my spot and qualified for the Rwanda qualifications. This opportunity means a lot to me.”

    Having played in the French league for the past two to three years, Omotayo feels well-prepared for the atmosphere in Paris.

    Read Also: NFF to inaugurate Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee

     “I’m used to the people there; they love table tennis,” he explained. “I’ll have a lot of French friends turning up to support me. My expectations are very high—I’m going there to give my best, fight for my name, and prove that I have what it takes.”

    Reflecting on the uniqueness of the Olympic Games, Omotayo emphasized: “We cannot compare the Olympics to any other games. It was made to unite nations, and every athlete’s dream is to be at the Olympics and win a medal. The Olympics is one of a kind.”

    Despite being hailed as the next big player in the sport, Omotayo remains grounded.

     “I won’t let praises from anyone get into my head,” he asserted. “I have a lot to achieve, and I keep my eyes on the prize.”

  • WTT Feeder: Omotayo, Mati  face Portugal, Sweden opponents

    WTT Feeder: Omotayo, Mati  face Portugal, Sweden opponents

    Olajide Omotayo and Taiwo Mati were handed a tough task in the first round of the men’s singles of the WTT Feeder Vila Nova de Gaia taking place in Portugal.

    Omotayo and Mati are both returning to WTT Feeder Series after their outing at the African Championships held last September  in Tunis and they will commence their campaigns from the main draw.

    Omotayo, 2019 African Games champion and semi-finalist at the 2023 African Championships, will face Swedish southpaw Kristian Karlsson, an integral member of the Swedish team. Mati will face a huge task against Portuguese star Tiago Apolonia, a strong member of the Portuguese team regarded as one of the most intelligent players in Europe.

    A determined Mati told NationSport that he would try his best against the homeboy.

     “It is not going to be easy but I will try my best because he is one of the best players in the world in the past and he is still playing well at his age,” he said.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s AFA Sports signs apparel deal with Cameroon B’ball Federation

    Pavilhao Desportivo Municipal de Vila Nova de Gaia  hosts  the 13th  stop on this year’s WTT Feeder Series, with WTT Feeder Vila Nova de Gaia 2023  with all eyes on Portuguese star Marcos Freitas, who returns home on a mission.

    The 35-year-old  is the standout name at the top of the Men’s Singles draw, and will take some beating as he goes in search of his second WTT title of the year, three and a half months on  after doing the business at WTT Contender Lima.

    In the Women’s Singles draw, former African champion Dina Meshref of Egypt topped the entry list in Vila Nova de Gaia.

    The World No.28’s best performance of the year at a WTT event was a quarterfinal finish at WTT Contender Durban in January, a result she will be keen to better in Portugal.

  • Omotayo, Toriola suffer defeat

    Olajide Omotayo was on the receiving end yesterday at the 2019 ITTF World Championship after losing in a narrow battle against Cyprus’ Marios Yiangou just came undone as Segun Toriola’s recovery against United States’ Victor Liu.

    Olufunke Oshonaike was all smiles, as she recorded an emphatic 4-1 win over Ecuador’s Mylena Plaza in her first group encounter in Budapest.

    Omotayo was in the race to beat his Cyprus counterpart but the experience of the veteran European came to the fore against the Nigerian with a recovery from 1-3 to win at 4-3.

    Despite dominating the first game 11-7, Omotayo could not hold the sway as he lost the second at 7-11. And the Nigerian raced to the lead after winning the third and fourth game at 11-7, 12-10. But his efforts to complete the rout against the Cypriot came to a halt as his opponent leveled up in the fifth and sixth games at 5-11, 9-11. And in the seventh game which was to be the decider turned out to be one-sided as Omotayo fell 1-11 to concede defeat at 4-3.

    Unlike Omotayo, Toriola was dominated by the Chinese-born American as the veteran was losing 6-11, 8-11, 7-11 but the experience of the former African champion came to fore as he rallied back to win the fourth game at 11-7. But not ready to surrender the lead to the Nigerian, the American fought well to win the fifth game at 12-10 to complete his 4-1 win over Toriola.

    But Oshonaike left the table smiling after beating her Ecuadorian counterpart 11-5, 5-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-4 to complete her 4-1 win while debutant Ajoke Ojomu also recorded her first win with a 4-1 win over her Luxembourger counterpart.

    Today April 22, the tournament enters crucial stage of the preliminary as Omotayo and Toriola hope for victory in their final group match to know their fate of advancing to the main draw.

    Like Toriola and Omotayo, Oshonaike and Ojomu will be hoping to top their groups as they play their final group matches as well.

  • Quadri, Omotayo lift Nigeria against Argentina

    Aruna Quadri and Olajide Omotayo saved the day for Nigeria at the ongoing 2018 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Team Championships against Argentina in the second group match of the competition.

    Before the encounter, it was clear that the match would throw up a surprise as the Argentine team was determined to avenge their previous losses to Nigeria.

    Cifuentes Horacio who started the game for the Argentine. He was set up against veteran Segun Tortola but the young Argentine won at 12-10, 15-13, 11-9.This win boosted the confidence of the Argentine going into the second game with Quadri facing Alto Gaston, but Quadri’s powerful drive was all he needed to defeat the Argentine 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 to restore parity in the match.

    22-year-old Olajide Omotayo humbled Galvano Nicolas 11-9, 9-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-3 to put Nigeria ahead, much to the admiration of the former and current Presidents of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Wahid Oshodi and Ishaku Tikon.

    Quadri returned to the table for the fourth game against Cifuentes Horacio. Quadri showed his class and less than 30 minutes he coasted to victory with 11-9, 11-6, 11-7 to give Nigeria a convincing 3-1 win.

    Nigeria now shares four points with Slovakia on top of the group table.

  • First medal excites Omotayo

    BEING part of the silver medal-winning table tennis team at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games is exciting to 22-year-old Olajide Omotayo, who represented Nigeria at the 2013 World Junior Championships in Morocco. Omotayo told NationSport yesterday that he could not hide his excitement over the silver medal win.

    “I am so happy that I am part of this great team. I have indeed learnt a lot from the top players and playing against some of the best players in the world has indeed boosted my confidence and I hope that this will help me the more in major competitions,” he said.

    The Italy-based star described his experience at the Gold Coast event as worthwhile. “I am here to learn, particularly from the senior players. This is my first Commonwealth Games and with this experience, I now have the idea of competing on a big stage like this. I will cherish this moment for a very long time,” he added.

    India’s Sathiyan GNANASEKARAN, who put India up 2-0 by beating Segun TORIOLA 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 11-4 in the singles, before teaming up with Harmeet DESAI to finish the job in the doubles 11-8, 11-5, 11-3 added: “In the first game I was ahead 10-6, and I thought I’d won the game; I lost focus; I made easy mistakes; but I felt confident, I felt I was playing well. After losing the first game I said to myself start again from love-all.

    My legs were fast and I was quick to attack. He needed time to play his strokes, so I tried to give him no time.

    The doubles was perfect with Harmeet, we were strong from the very first point and we were able to win this amazing gold medal, which was our goal coming into these games.”

    Nigeria may not have been a match for India in the final, but they will forever go down in Commonwealth Games folk law, as they produced one of the most amazing upsets in the semi-finals. Nigeria, without their top player Quadri ARUNA, who also missed the final due to sickness but hopes to be back for the singles event, battled against the odds to beat England 3-2, who are the favourites for the Gold in one of the most dramatic matches ever seen.

    A visibly disappointed England bounced back strongly against Singapore in the bronze medal play-off. The 2016 World Team Table Tennis Championships bronze medallists, added another bronze to their collection, by defeating Singapore 3-0 to match their women’s team performance yesterday.

  • Ahead XXI Commonwealth Games: Quadri, Omotayo intensify preparation with German Open

    As part of their build up to the XXI Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, Aruna Quadri and Olajide Omotayo are currently in Bremen, Germany for the 2018 ITTF World Tour tagged German Open.

    Quadri, ranked 22 in the world will begin his campaign from the qualifying round in Group Three alongside Turkey’s Ahmed Li and Bulgaria’s Philipp Floritz in his quest for a place in the main draw of the men’s singles.

    Also Commonwealth Games debutant – Omotayo will have his hands full when he battles Japan’s Masaki Yoshida and Hungary’s Bence Majoros in Group four.

    Quadri’s first group match on table three today will be against the Bulgarian, while his final group match against the Turkish star will be tomorrow on table three as well.

    Unlike Quadri, Omotayo will play his two group matches today on table four against the Hungarian and Japanese in his quest to make it to the knockout stage of the preliminary round.

    In the doubles, Quadri will continue his partnership with Egypt’s Omar Assar as they start their campaign from the preliminary round tomorrow against Hungarian stars.

    Another Nigerian on duty at the German Open is Dapo Kolawole who has been drawn against players from India, France and Argentina.

  • Will Lola Omotayo and Peter Okoye seal their love this year?

    THEIR much-vaunted conjugal merger is one union the cream of the entertainment world and high society has been waiting impatiently for in the last three years. Since the news of their relationship became public knowledge, after gifting Peter, the other half of singing sensation, P-Square, two kids some years back, sweet looking Lola Omotayo, does not pretend about it any longer. As such, it was generally assumed that theirs would be one wedding that would make the society creak at the eaves. But how wrong they were! Though a lot of people were expecting the beautiful lovebirds to formalise their romance few years ago, it didn’t happen. The wait is becoming rather unbearable for fans of P-Square and friends of Lola. The question on the lips of many at the moment, is when would Lola drag Peter to the alter if he is still prevaricating? Or is she deliberately taking her time as a close friend of hers suggests? No doubt, with her striking, lovely looks and uncomplicated elegance, Lola is never going to be short of admirers though she is not getting younger again. Many of her close friends are hopping that the love birds will tie the knot before this years runs out.